India is home to one of the world’s most famous tombs, the Taj Mahal, which was built in the 1600s as the final resting place of an emperor’s wife.

Roughly one-third the size of the United States, India occupies most of the Indian Subcontinent and shares borders with five different countries to the north and west. It has extensive coastline on the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. India’s population — second only to China — severely strains the resources that the government, and the land, can provide.

The Indian economy is one of the world’s fastest-growing and diverse. Roughly 60 percent of the population engages in farming, but a tremendous number and variety of other industries give the economy its robust nature. Major exports include chemical products, textiles, plastics and jewelry, to name a few.

Plan works in 11 states in India and our programs have direct impact on the lives of more than 1,000,000 children and their families. Except in emergency situations, Plan does not provide direct assistance. Instead, we help communities develop, grow and, ultimately, support themselves.

Hear from the children

An essential part of Plan's work is empowering children to discuss the issues that matter to them and to take part in decisions that affect their lives. To help you learn about these issues, the children in Plan communities have put together a series of publications called "See Our World": Read what the children have to say about their lives.